REV-IT RADAR JACKET

by Big Dave
I was riding back over the Western Causeway and got stuck in one of those heavy showers that blow down off the Waitakeris. I got soaked.
The waterproofing ability of my old Touring jacket had gone - after 6 very good years and a lot of miles.
I’ll give it a wash and re-treatment, but it’s a bit road weary and ready to be classified as ‘Adventure Riding kit’ – where a bit of mud and grunge doesn’t matter.
Back on the Western I was cold, said ‘stuff this’ and took the Motomail exit with memories of the Rev-it Adventure Riding Jacket I had borrowed for the Can-Am Spyder test.
I tried some of the Adventure Jackets on, but just wasn’t as comfortable with the thermal liners in place as I was in Radar model, that I rode away wearing.
The Radar has been cut as a Touring or Regular fit.
It’s shaped to be at its best when sitting on a motorcycle with a mostly upright ergonomic.
Tres comfy. It makes a difference having the pre-shaped arms,
I also really like the three-layer system. The thermal and the waterproof layers are removable; it means that it’s a viable jacket for all seasons. It has large vents that should see it turn into a good hot weather alternative too.
The waterproof liner zips out and stows in a pocket at the rear.
Cuffs are fastened with Velcro and it has Velcro fastening over the zipper. The collar is adjustable.
The two big storage pockets at front don’t bunch up when seated – even with glasses case in them and it has two interior pockets for phones and gadgets. (and as I was checking the specifications I read that it also has a document pocket – that I haven’t found yet.)
What I have found is that it’s very warm and very comfortable. I’ve been nice and dry and looked pretty fly through the rest of the winter so far.
The recommended retail price is $550.
I'm very happy with it.
Here’s a video from motomail explaining the Jacket system.

Price and availability subject to change. Talk to the guys at motomail for the full run-down.
www.motomail.co.nz

BLUETOOTH MULTI INTERPHONE KIT

WORDS & PICS: Alan Duff

At last a high end super-range BT (Bluetooth wireless) hands-free communication system for motorcyclists and/or skiers. One that I’ve tried and found works, and works really well.
The BT Multi-Interphone kit can pair ‘rider to rider’ or ‘rider to pillion,’ and can also be used with any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, MP3 or GPS.
The system, imported and distributed by P.H.S. Ltd, offers a 500 metre range at speeds of up to 120km/h I used it on the bike and found that not
only was it easy to install with velcro into the helmets (XL & S) it also worked well in all the terrible weather we experienced on a four-hour ride north of Auckland. Believe me we experienced all four seasons in four hours but because the comms system is a fully weather protected system it carried on working regardless, in fact according to the distributors it will last up to seven hours of talk time before you need to use the mini USB charging lead which comes in addition to a mains powered one.
EASY PEASY
I found it easy to use and my pillion and I could talk to each other at road legal speeds with no problem. Even when our speed crept up a bit we still found the communication acceptable thanks to the wind and speed noisecompensating microphone and the slim fitting speakers.
It does take a few minutes initially to make sure you position the speakers directly over your ears correctly but once they’re in the right place you’re cooking with gas, so to speak!
So, to sum up, this system offers safe riding while talking to your pillion or a friend riding nearby while being nice and compact and perhaps most importantly, glove friendly. Other benefits are auto receiving of cell phone calls and the ability to play stereo music from your mobile phone.
Five stars I say!
Bluetooth Multi-Interphone Kits for motorcycles are available from P.H.S Ltd for an RRP of $499. For more info crank up your computer and log on to www.amalgamate2000. com/sales/. And if you buy one, tell ‘em you read about it first in KR!

AIROH FORCE VISION

WORDS: Ross MacKay PIC: Osborne & BD

The arrival on the local market of the Airoh brand of helmets, courtesy importer Forbes and Davies, has signaled something of a shakeup in the lid stakes here at KR.
First up Pro MXing Dirt tester Ollie was offered one of the ultralight Stelt models to add to his wardrobe, then I was offered a new Force Vision road helmet.
Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of helmets but settled into swapping between a Shoei X-Spirit and the predecessor to Arai’s Viper. Both current lids are due for replacing, something which the arrival of the new Airoh brought into sharp focus.
Airoh is the brand that fi rst came to notice here when our own Ben Townley was signed for his MX2 World Championship-winning year, so we know a bit about the brand and the people behind it. Suffice to say it is a premium brand with premium products with the Force Vision enjoying an ECE2205 safety rating and retailing here for $559.
Fit and finish is snug and comfy and there are plenty of ventilation choices not to mention trick little accessories like the clip-in chin curtain, breath guard etc.
Perhaps the biggest bonus however is the integrated sun-shield which folds up or down at the click of a rocker switch on the left hand side of the base.
I’ve always been a bit dubious of these but as I’ve found the idea works, and works well.
Another new and different feature I’ve come to quite like is the ‘Microtech retention system’ chin-clasp.
Like most motorcycle riders using an old-skool twin D-ring system has become second nature, but you can’t fault the new one with its simple grooved tongue and click-in/click-out clasp.
Fogging has been an issue over the least few (very cold) weeks but I see Airoh offers what they call a ‘Foggy Stop’ kit so I’ll be ordering one of those to help supplement the standard antifog treatment of the 2.2mm thick visor.
I’ll be swapping back and forth from Shoei to Arai to Airoh over the next year and will report back on any further findings at a later date.

ARAI CHASER PHIL READ REPLICA

One of the most remarkable new helmet models for the new season must be the brand-new Arai Chaser. The Chaser is designed and developed as a truly innovative design, with much attention paid to details.

The fibre glass outer shell is, just as any Arai helmet, severely tested for penetration, while the Hyper Ridge at the bottom of the shell offers extra rigidity and strength.

Especially attractive is the new ventilation system, with the new large inlet duct at the front of the helmet and the massive exhaust duct at the rear. Both ducts feature large buttons, which are easy to operate, even with gloves.

Much attention is given to an extremely high level of comfort. The standard Pinlock inner visor effectively prevents fogging and misting of the visor, while the new spoiler at the rear of the helmet provides efficient ventilation, as well as increased aerodynamics. Replaceable check pads also come standard with this new exciting Arai model.

For more information on the Chaser Range, including links to the Arai Factory Web Site, technical information and an up to date stock list click here.

Big Dave Says: I currently have a new Chaser Phil Read for Kiwi Rider evaluation.
What a beautiful thing it is. It replaces the Union Jack Viper that saw excellent service on many a KR test bike. The Chaser feels even nicer, seems quieter and is simply a beautiful thing. I know, I know, it's not supposed to be about how it looks, but wow, it's Arai safe, very comfortable and just look at it.
So far I can't comment on the ventilation - too cold for that caper! Fitted with an Irridium Visor if feels light and like you are a million dollars inside.

RRP is $1049 inc GST for a hat that truly stands out.

PIRELLI TYRES

We talked to the good folk at Nationwide Accessories about what was hot in their Pirelli tyre range. As you can imagine we couldn’t stop them raving about one tyre after another. So after going back and forward a couple of times, we settled on the tyres listed below. Here we have a good spread of some of the newer bags, rim protectors, skins or whatever you want to call them… Remember that all your old favorites are still available. For off road there’s the Scorpion MX mid soft (32), mid hard (454), hard (486) and eXTRA and then there’s the road tyres. So slip into your local and get the low down on what’s best for you.

1 PIRELLI ANGEL
New generation of sport touring compound:
maximum safety feeling on wet /
cold conditions without compromising dry
grip. Innovative tread design offers mileage
while maintaining an appealing tread
design. New front and rear profile tailored
to the new generation of sport touring
bikes: neutral and smooth handling in all
manoeuvres.



2 PIRELLI SCORPION TRAIL
Top performance for any ground and any
road. This new revolutionary tread pattern
combines high performance with a very
innovative look. With its patented 0° steel
belt technology provides maximum stability
and excellent handling on every kind of
terrain even when fully loaded. Its uses the
latest generation of materials for maximum
grip in all weather conditions, giving the
ideal balance between milage and grip.



3 PIRELLI SCORPION XC MID SOFT
High module, low shrinkage polyester
carcass for regular and a large footprint to
maximise traction and braking. Optimised
steering precision and traction is provided
by the small hard knobs on the front. Racing
compound for a high performance level
for the entire race, regardless of conditions.




4 PIRELLI NIGHT DRAGON
Its new shape and larger dimension give
increased durability and traction. Its new
structure also provides optimum pressure
distribution and unmatched riding comfort.
The street-wise tread pattern blends biker
style with riding performance by maximizing
the contact patch for fast warm up,
quickly giving stability and traction.



5 PIRELLI RACE RAIL XC
Front tread provides enhanced braking with precise cornering. 6-ply carcass for extreme puncture resistance. Rear tread is shaped for aggressive straight-line traction. Tested in North America by top GNCC pro racers.

VENTURA LIGHT-GUARDS

Custom-made to complement the good looks and performance of your motorcycle
Developed from the need to protect the elaborate and expensive headlight system fitted to modern motorcycles, Ventura brings you a product that will not only help save you the expense of replacing broken headlights but will also ensure that the chances of being stranded on a lonely highway at night are minimal.
The cheapest insurance you could ever hope to have…
At your dealer or contact Dold Industries Ltd 0508 365 300
www.dold.co.nz

THE VENTURA BIKE-PACK SYSTEM

Ventura’s famous Bike-Pack Systems are renowned for value, quality and versatility. You can rest assured there is sound engineering behind your Ventura Bike-Pack System whether you are riding solo or two up. The design positions the load securely behind the rider, rather than to the sides, which help retain the handling and ride ability of your bike with minimal wind resistance.
The Ventura Bike-Pack System is now available for:
Triumph 675 Daytona (2009)
Aprilia Mana 850 (2009) (pictured)
Kawasaki KLR650 (KL650E) (2009)
Visit your dealer or call Dold Industries Ltd., 0508 365 300 for further details.

www.dold.co.nz

Big Dave Says: Highly recommended. I've had a Bathurst Pack since 2002. It has been used on numerous Kiwi Rider test bikes without a hitch. The system fits with a minimum of fuss and all just works.

DRAGGIN JEANS SLIX

Draggin Jeans New Product - SLIX

The Revolution is here! Draggin Jeans are proud to introduce Slix™ - the first slim fitting, protective motorcycle jean with a leather look. Whilst Slix have a unique leather look and feel, they breathe and move like traditional denim jeans. Constructed with quality stretch denim, and coated with a wax finish these innovative jeans are made to be worn fitted close to the body and will quickly mould to individual body shapes. Over time, each pair of Slix will age and develop their own unique creases and curves. No two Slix will be alike! Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, Slix are designed to be worn on and off the bike. The fit is lower at the waist than at the back to ensure both comfort and skin coverage whilst riding.

As with all Draggin Jeans products, Slix feature the revolutionary knitted Kevlar/Dyneema™ lining. The lining is soft to the touch, breathable, flexible, non-allergenic and vastly superior to basic woven or knitted Kevlar® alternatives. The men’s Slix feature a plastic zip rear pocket for wallet security and are cut with a tapered leg. The women’s Slix are cut to the same pattern as Draggin Jeans’ amazingly popular Minx Jean. As with all Draggin Jeans’ products, Slix can be machine washed on a gentle cold water cycle.

Highly fashionable and extremely functional, Slix are the motorcycle jean that everyone has been waiting for! Slix will be available in store in October and with a RRP of AUD$279 (inc GST) will move fast!

(We've sent an email to confirm NZ price)